Best flight schools for airline pilots

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

If you're looking to train as an airline pilot, you'll want to attend a flight school that offers structured programs designed to prepare you for a career with airlines. These schools often offer accelerated programs and partner with airlines to help ensure a pathway to employment. Here are some of the best flight schools for aspiring airline pilots:

1. ATP Flight School

Locations: Multiple locations across the U.S. (including Daytona Beach, FL; Tampa, FL; and Jacksonville, FL)
Why it’s great: ATP is one of the largest and most respected flight schools in the U.S. for airline pilot training. They offer an accelerated Airline Career Pilot Program, designed to take students from zero experience to an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate in a short period. Their flight training is very structured, and they have partnerships with regional airlines, which can provide a clear pathway to employment.

2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)

Location: Daytona Beach, FL & Prescott, AZ
Why it’s great: Embry-Riddle is a globally recognized institution for aviation training, offering world-class facilities and resources. Their professional pilot program is comprehensive, including both flight training and academics, and they have strong industry connections, which can help students land jobs with major airlines. ERAU also offers a flight school pipeline for cadets to flow into regional or major airlines.

3. FlightSafety Academy

Location: Vero Beach, FL
Why it’s great: FlightSafety Academy is known for offering high-quality pilot training with a focus on airline careers. They offer a fast-track Airline Pilot Program that includes all the necessary certifications for an airline career, including private, commercial, and multi-engine ratings, as well as an ATP certification. They also have partnerships with airlines that help students find jobs after graduation.

4. Sunstate Aviation Academy

Location: Lakeland, FL (Located at the Lakeland Linder International Airport)
Why it’s great: Sunstate is well-known for its professional pilot training, including a focused airline pilot program. The school partners with regional airlines like SkyWest Airlines to help students secure jobs after completing their training. They also offer multi-engine and type rating training.

5. CAU (California Aeronautical University)

Location: Bakersfield, CA, but they also have flight training operations in Florida
Why it’s great: CAU offers an accelerated training program for aspiring airline pilots, providing all necessary certifications and a fast-track route to an ATP license. They have a comprehensive curriculum that includes flight training and ground school, and they have solid partnerships with airlines that help graduates land jobs.

6. MCC (Mesa Community College) Aviation Program

Location: Mesa, AZ (Various training partnerships in Florida)
Why it’s great: MCC’s aviation program is designed for those who want to pursue an airline career. They have a pathway to becoming an airline pilot, including partnerships with regional airlines, and their training program is recognized for its comprehensive approach to flying and aviation theory.

7. Purdue University Aviation Technology Program

Location: West Lafayette, IN (Offerings available across various locations)
Why it’s great: Purdue University has a renowned aviation program and offers a pathway to becoming an airline pilot through their professional flight program. Their program includes training in the latest technologies and simulators, and they have strong relationships with major airlines for career placement.

8. Western Michigan University College of Aviation

Location: Kalamazoo, MI
Why it’s great: Known for its rigorous aviation training programs, Western Michigan offers a Professional Pilot Program that prepares students for careers as airline pilots. The university also offers strong industry connections and has partnerships with regional airlines for post-graduation job placement.

9. Aeronautical University (Florida Tech)

Location: Melbourne, FL
Why it’s great: Florida Tech's aviation program is designed for students interested in becoming airline pilots. The university has a fleet of modern aircraft and state-of-the-art simulators. They offer a comprehensive path to becoming an airline transport pilot and have strong ties with industry partners.

10. Sanford Flight Training

Location: Sanford, FL
Why it’s great: Sanford Flight Training offers a range of professional flight training options, including airline-focused programs. Their accelerated training programs aim to get students into airline pilot roles faster and with the necessary qualifications.

Factors to Consider:

When choosing a flight school for an airline pilot career, keep these factors in mind:

Flight Hours: Look for schools that offer a structured program with an adequate number of flight hours to meet ATP requirements.
Partnerships with Airlines: Schools that have relationships with airlines can help provide a clear career path after graduation.
Fleet Quality: Make sure the school has a modern fleet of aircraft and simulators for training.
Location and Facilities: Proximity to major airports and high-quality facilities can significantly impact your training experience.
Accreditation and Reputation: Research each school's reputation and whether it’s accredited by the appropriate aviation bodies.

These schools provide a well-rounded foundation for aspiring airline pilots, combining both theoretical knowledge and hands-on flight experience with strong industry connections to increase employment opportunities after graduation.

CLICK 👉 download 300 aviation books just 1 MB

CLICK 👉 AIRBUS A320 COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 737 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 747 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 757 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 767 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 777 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 BOEING 787 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 CESSNA 150 PILOT COURSE

CLICK 👉 CESSNA 152 COURSE

CLICK 👉 CESSNA 162 SKYCATCHER

CLICK 👉 CESSNA 172N SKYHAWK